by Gayla Grace | Dec 26, 2016 | Prayer, stepfamily relationships, successful stepparenting, Uncategorized
I was in a neighborhood prayer group for almost seven years before moving to Louisiana. We met weekly (at 6:00 am!) to pray for the needs of each family represented. I joined the group when my husband and I were fighting a custody battle. It was a very difficult...
by Gayla Grace | Oct 21, 2015 | Blog, Faith, stepfamily marriage, stepfamily relationships, successful stepparenting
My husband and I celebrated 20 years of marriage last week. There were many years I didn’t know if we’d make it to our next anniversary. Today, I’m thankful for where we are as a stepfamily. I’ve grown emotionally, spiritually, and mentally in...
by Gayla Grace | May 14, 2015 | Blog, stepfamily relationships, stepmom help, stepparenting resource, successful stepparenting
Ron Deal understands stepfamilies! He teamed up with marriage and family expert David Olson to offer keys to success for blended families. I encourage you to grab their new resource! How can you have a happy, meaningful marriage? Ron Deal and David Olson researched...
by Gayla Grace | Apr 17, 2014 | Blog, Easter, forgiveness, stepfamily relationships, successful stepparenting, thankfulness
As we head into the Easter week-end, I can’t help but think about forgiveness. I’m forever grateful for Christ’s sacrifice on the cross that offers forgiveness of sin. But sometimes forgiveness and how to apply forgiveness in our stepfamilies can be...
by Gayla Grace | Dec 31, 2013 | Blog, perseverance, stepfamily relationships, stepparenting choices, successful stepparenting
As we consider a new year, I think it’s important to look at where we’re at in our stepfamily relationships. I wrote an article earlier this year that includes how to navigate the stages of remarriage. I hope you find it helpful as you seek to move...
by Gayla Grace | Oct 23, 2013 | Blog, conflict, stepfamily relationships, successful stepparenting
One of the biggest struggles in stepfamilies is learning how to parent together and working through the conflict that naturally surrounds parenting. Your parenting style plays a huge role in how much and how often you have conflict in regards to the kids so I’m...
by Gayla Grace | Mar 15, 2013 | Blog, co-parenting, stepfamily relationships, stepmother role, successful stepparenting
When we moved to Louisiana a year and a half ago, my two biological daughters stayed behind in Conway, AR. They both had summer jobs and wanted to stay close to their friends the rest of the summer. At 18 and 21 years old, I knew they could manage on their own but...
by Gayla | Feb 25, 2013 | attitude, Blog, character, Faith, love, successful stepparenting
The early morning text surprised me. I don’t hear from my young adult stepson a lot but sensed he needed to talk based on what I read. I picked up the phone and engaged in a lengthy conversation with him regarding his year-long relationship with his girlfriend....
by Gayla | Feb 19, 2013 | attitude, Blog, boundaries, co-parenting, conflict, loyalty conflict, successful stepparenting
I’m addressing a question today I received from a reader. How do you cope as a stepmom when you’re dealing with a biological mom who is belittling to you and doesn’t want you in her children’s lives? The stepmom role becomes harder when the bio...
by Gayla | Dec 18, 2012 | Balance, Blog, stepfamily holiday tips, stepparenting choices, successful stepparenting
Have you purchased our holiday e-book yet? Here’s a portion from Chapter 2 that I wrote: “It’s easy to create narcissistic children who feel entitled to receive every gift they ask for when we give them too much. It’s an unhealthy practice and,...
by Gayla | Oct 10, 2012 | Blog, Change, stepfamily relationships, stepparenting choices, successful stepparenting, Uncategorized
I love watching the giddiness of pre-married couples in our stepfamily class. They are in love and somewhat blinded to what lies ahead. Maybe that’s a good thing. Thankfully, they’re trying to educate themselves on how to do stepfamily life before...
by Gayla | Sep 5, 2012 | Blog, conflict, feelings, successful stepparenting, Uncategorized
As I felt my heart begin to race, I knew I had to settle down before I said something I shouldn’t. I said a quick prayer to calm my soul and ask for guidance. My anger was boiling. And I wasn’t sure how to proceed with the conversation. I was in a heated...